Tapered transition ramp for cable protector with offset center sections

ABSTRACT

An exemplary ramp structure capable of being positioned over at least a portion of a cable protection system comprises first and second center portions, a first side ramp portion adjacent a side of each center portion, and a first tapered portion adjacent an end of the first side ramp portion. The first tapered portion may be tapered in at least two different directions that are substantially orthogonal to each other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/379,442, filed 20 Apr. 2006, and a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/691,311, filed on 26 Mar. 2007, the disclosuresof which are incorporated, in their entirety, by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant disclosure relates generally to cable protectors and cableprotection systems.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, various devices and apparatuses have been developed inan effort to protect hoses, cables, wiring, and the like from physicaldamage. In particular, numerous cable protector designs have beendeveloped to protect cabling extending across walkways, roadways, andconstruction sites from physical damage caused by pedestrians, vehiculartraffic, and other such external elements. Cable protectors have alsoproven useful in helping to minimize the risk of pedestrians trippingover such cabling. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms“cable” and “cabling” shall be broadly construed to include data cables,hoses, electrical wiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers,pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and any other length of material.

Conventional cable protectors typically include one or more channelsextending in parallel between opposing ends of the cable protector toreceive one or more cables. Side ramps may extend laterally outwardfrom, or may be removably attachable to, the sides of the cableprotector to allow vehicles and the like to roll over the top of thecable protector. In some cases, these side ramps are configured to havea relatively gradual slope so that a wheelchair, walker, or the like canpass over the cable protector with minimal effort. In accordance withguidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”),many conventional cable protectors and ramps are also equipped with siderails to prevent people or wheelchairs from slipping off the sides ofthe cable protector or side ramp. These side rails are typicallypositioned substantially parallel to the ends of the cable protectorand/or side ramp.

Although conventional side rails are generally effective in preventingwheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like from sliding off the endsof the ramp, these rails may limit the range of use of the cableprotector. For example, the conventional parallel configuration of siderails, which typically extend at least two inches above the cableprotector's surface, mandates that a user of a wheelchair, walker,stroller, or the like approach the cable protector in a directionsubstantially parallel to the side rails. In other words, conventionalside rails may prevent users of wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers fromapproaching the cable protector and/or side ramp from directions orangles that intersect with the parallel side rails. Similarly, theparallel configuration of these side rails requires that such userstravel in a substantially straight line over the cable protector andside ramps in order to avoid a collision with the side rails.

Accordingly, a need exists for a cable protection system in which usersof wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like may approach and crossover the system from a wider range of directions and angles.

SUMMARY

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a rampstructure capable of being positioned over at least a portion of a cableprotection system includes first and second center portions, a firstside ramp portion, and a first tapered portion. The first and secondcenter portions each have a first side, a second side, a first end and asecond end. The first and second center portions are arranged in series.The first side ramp portion is positioned adjacent to the first side ofthe first center portion and the first side of the second centerportion, and includes a first end and a second end. The first taperedportion is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first side rampportion and includes a top surface having a first portion that tapers ina first direction away from the first and second center portions, and asecond portion that tapers in a second direction away from the firstside ramp.

The first tapered portion may be substantially triangular in shape. Someembodiments include the first and second portions of the first taperedportion each have a triangular shape. The first direction of taper forthe first tapered portion may be substantially orthogonal to the seconddirection of taper. The top surface of the first tapered portion may besubstantially planar. The first end of the second center portion may becoupled to the second end of the first center portion at a centerportion joint, wherein the first side ramp portion overlapping thecenter portion joint.

The ramp structure may further include a second tapered portionpositioned adjacent to the second end of the first side ramp portion,wherein the second tapered portion has a top surface that tapers in aleast one of a first direction away from the first and second centerportions and a second direction away from the first side ramp portion.The first and second tapered portions may be coupled to the first sideramp portion, wherein the first and second tapered portions and thefirst side ramp portion defines a first ramp assembly. The first rampassembly may have a first ramp assembly length that is substantiallyequal to a combined length of the first and second center ramp portions.The ramp assembly may include a plurality of vertically orientedapertures, and the first and second center portions may include aplurality of projections that extend from the first and second centerportions in a generally vertical direction, the projections beingreleaseably inserted in the apertures.

In some embodiments, the ramp structure further includes a second sideramp portion and a third tapered portion. The second side ramp portionmay be positioned adjacent to the second side of the first centerportion and the second side of the second center portion, wherein thesecond side ramp portion comprising a first end and a second end. Thethird tapered portion may be positioned adjacent to the first end of thesecond side ramp portion and have a top surface that tapers in a leastone of a first direction away from the first and second center portionsand a second direction away from the second side ramp portion. The rampstructure may further include a fourth tapered portion positionedadjacent to the second end of the second side ramp portion. The fourthtapered portion has a top surface that tapers in a least one of a firstdirection away from the first and second center portions and a seconddirection away from the second side ramp portion. The third and fourthtapered portions may be coupled to the second side ramp portion. Thethird and fourth tapered portions and the second side ramp portion maydefine a second ramp assembly, wherein the second ramp assembly has asecond ramp assembly length that is substantially equal to a combinedlength of the first and second center ramp portions. The second rampassembly may include a plurality of projections that extend from theramp assembly in a generally vertical direction. The first and secondcenter portions may include a plurality of vertically orientedapertures, wherein the projections of the second ramp assemblyreleaseably insert in the apertures of the first and second centerportions.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable protectionsystem that includes first and second cable protectors, a first sideramp, and first and second tapered structures. The first and secondcable protectors each include a first side, a second side, opposingends, and a top surface. The first cable protector defines at least afirst channel extending between the opposing ends of the first cableprotector. The second cable protector is arranged in series with thefirst cable protector, and defines at least a second channel extendingbetween the opposing ends of the second cable protector that is arrangedcoaxial with the first channel. The first side ramp includes a topsurface, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, andis positioned adjacent to the first side of the first cable protectorand the first side of the second cable protector. The first taperedstructure may be releaseably attached to the first end of the first sideramp. The first tapered structure includes a top surface and a bottomsurface, wherein the top surface is tapered relative to at least one ofthe top surface of the first side ramp and the top surface of at leastone of the first and second cable protectors. The second taperedstructure may be releaseably attached to the second end of the firstside ramp. The second tapered structure includes a top surface and abottom surface, wherein the top surface of the first tapered structureis tapered relative to at least one of the top surface of the first sideramp and the top surface of at least one of the first and second cableprotectors.

The top surface of the first tapered structure may taper in a firstdirection and a second direction, wherein the first direction issubstantially orthogonal to the second direction. The first end of thesecond cable protector may be positioned adjacent to the second end ofthe first cable protector at a cable protector joint, and the first sideramp overlaps the cable protector joint. The cable protector joint maybe arranged at a midpoint along a length of the first side ramp. Thefirst and second cable protectors may be releaseably connected to thefirst side ramp, the first tapered structure, and the second taperedstructure. The cable protection system may further include a second sideramp, and third and fourth tapered structures. The second side ramp maybe positioned adjacent to the second side of the first cable protectorand the second side of the second cable protector. The second side rampmay include a top surface, a first side, a second side, a first end, anda second end. The third tapered structure may be attached to the firstend of the second side ramp, and the fourth tapered structure may beattached to the second end of the second side ramp. A combined length ofthe first side ramp and the first and second tapered structures may besubstantially the same as a combined length of the first and secondcable protectors.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable protectionsystem that includes a first cable protector, a first side ramp, and afirst tapered structure. The first cable protector includes a first sideand a second side, and defines at least a first channel structured toreceive at least one cable. The first side ramp is positioned adjacentto the first side of the first cable protector and extends beyond thefirst end of the first cable protector. The first side ramp may bereleaseably connected to the first cable protectors. The first taperedstructure may be releaseably connected to a first end of the first sideramp and include a top surface that is tapered relative to a top surfaceof the first side ramp and a top surface of the first cable protector.

The cable protection system may further include a second cable protectorcomprising a first side and a second side, and define a second channelarranged in alignment with the first channel. The first side ramp may bepositioned adjacent to the first side of the second cable protector andreleaseably connected to the second cable protector. The cableprotection system may also include a second tapered structurereleaseably connected to a second end of the first side ramp. The secondtapered structure may have a top surface that is tapered relative to thetop surface of the first side ramp and the top surface of the secondcable protector. The first cable protector may be releaseably connectedto the first tapered structure, and the second cable protector may bereleaseably connected to the second tapered structure.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodimentsand are a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the exemplary cableprotection system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view of the exemplary cableprotection system illustrated in FIG. 1, further comprising a pluralityof exemplary tapered transition structures;

FIG. 4A is an end view of the exemplary tapered transition structureillustrated in FIG. 3, taken along line 4A-4A;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the exemplary tapered transition structureillustrated in FIG. 3, taken along line 4B-4B;

FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the exemplary cableprotection system illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partially assembled perspective view of an exemplary cableprotection system according to an additional embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partially assembled perspective view of an exemplary cableprotection system according to an additional embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of an exemplary side rampassembly for a cable protection system according to at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the exemplary side rampassembly illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an assembled bottom perspective view of the exemplary sideramp assembly illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11A is a top view of the exemplary side ramp assembly illustratedin FIG. 10;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary side rampassembly illustrated in FIG. 11A in a first position, taken along line11B-11B;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary side rampassembly in a second position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary ramp structure for a cableprotection system according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the exemplary ramp structure illustrated inFIG. 12;

FIG. 14A is an end view of the exemplary ramp structure illustrated inFIG. 13, taken along line 14A-14A;

FIG. 14B is a side view of the exemplary ramp structure illustrated inFIG. 13, taken along line 14B-14B; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary ramp structure positionedover a cable protection system according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another cable protectionsystem according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cable protection system illustratedin FIG. 16 assembled together.

FIG. 18 is a first top perspective view of the tapered transitionstructure illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a second top perspective view of the tapered transitionstructure illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the tapered transition structure illustrated inFIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the tapered transition structure illustratedin FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the tapered transition structure illustratedin FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 is an opposite side view of the tapered transition structureillustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 24 is an end view of the tapered transition structure illustratedin FIG. 16.

FIG. 25 is an opposite end view of the tapered transition structureillustrated in FIG. 16.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While theexemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that theexemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited tothe particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure coversall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspectiveview of the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 1. Inat least one embodiment, the exemplary cable protection systemillustrated in these figures comprises a cable protector 10, a firstside ramp 40, and a second side ramp 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in certain embodiments cable protector10 comprises a base member 12 having a pair of opposing side walls 13.Base member 12 may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in FIGS.1-2, or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such as a squareor other multi-sided shape. In certain embodiments, opposing side walls13 form a single channel extending within base member 12 for housing oneor more cables. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 1, one or morevertically extending rib members 14 may longitudinally divide the lengthof base member 12 into a plurality of longitudinal channels 16 forhousing one or more cables. As illustrated in FIG. 1, rib member 14 maybe formed to have a height that is generally coextensive with the heightof the side walls 13 of base member 12.

Advantageously, when a plurality of cables are housed within base member12, rib members 14 may act as barriers between the longitudinallyextending cables to minimize tangling, electrical interference, and thelike. As detailed above, numerous forms of cables and wires may behoused within base member 12; including, for example, data cables,hoses, electrical wiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers,pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and any other length of material.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a cover 18 may bepivotally attached to base member 12 by a hinge structure. In thisexemplary embodiment, the hinge structure may comprise a plurality ofalternately spaced hinge members 22 formed on an upper surface of one ofthe side walls 13 of base member 12, and a plurality of alternatelyspaced hinge members 26 formed on one side of cover 18. In certainembodiments, hinge members 22 and 26 are formed in a hollow, tubularshape so as to be capable of housing a cylindrical or rod-like member,such as a hinge rod or pin. Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as asubstantially continuous hinge structure, this hinge structure may alsobe formed of any number of hinge structures known to those of skill inthe art; including, for example, a flush hinge, a barrel hinge, a butthinge, or a concealed hinge.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, hinge members 22 may be spaced along side wall13 of base member 12 so as to mate with an equal number of recesses 28of similar dimension defined along the side of cover 18. Similarly,hinge members 26 may be spaced along the side of cover 18 so as to matewith an equal number of recesses 24 of similar dimension defined alongthe upper surface of side wall 13 of base member 12. The lengths, widthsand depths of recesses 24, 28 may be defined to be slightly larger thanthose of hinge members 22, 26, respectively, in order to allow hingemembers 22, 26 to be easily inserted into recesses 24, 28. When properlymated and aligned, hinge members 22, 26 define a substantiallycontinuous passageway 29 extending throughout the length of the alignedhinge members. In certain embodiments, passageway 29 is defined so as tobe substantially cylindrical.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member 30 is insertedthroughout the passageway 29 defined by the aligned hinge members 22, 26to pivotally hinge cover 18 to base member 12. Although rod member 30may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member 30 may also beformed of any structure or shape capable of hinging opposing structures.The various elements of hinge structure 20 may thus enable cover 18 tofreely pivot about rod member 30 as cable protector 10 is opened andclosed. When in a closed position, cover 18 may rest upon the uppersurfaces of side walls 13 and/or rib members 14 to cover channels 16 andto protect any cables housed therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, base member 12 may also comprise one or moreconnectors 32 configured to removably attach cable protector 10 to aside of first side ramp 40. In many embodiments, connectors 32 aresubstantially vertically oriented; that is, they extend generallyperpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover 18. Althoughconnectors 32 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as extending generally downwardstowards the ground, connectors 32 may also be configured to extendgenerally up and away from the ground. Generally speaking, connectors 32may be formed of any number of shapes or structures capable ofinterlocking with, or being inserted into, an opposing structure;including, for example, a substantially vertically extending protrusion,a ball-shaped structure capable of interconnecting with a socket to forma ball-and-socket joint, a cantilever configured to “snap fit” into acomplimentary recess, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 32 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 46 formed in first side ramp 40.In many embodiments apertures 46 are defined within first side ramp 40so as to be substantially vertically oriented. According to thisexemplary embodiment, apertures 46 are defined in a general slot shapethat embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors 32.Alternatively, apertures 46 may be formed of any number of other shapescapable of receiving the various possible configurations of connectors32 (described in greater detail above); including, for example, acircular socket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodimentof connector 32), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable ofreceiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector32), or the like. Connectors 32 may also be configured to snap fit intoapertures 46 defined in first side ramp 40 to removably attach firstside ramp 40 to cable protector 10.

In at least one embodiment, first side ramp 40 comprises a taperedstructure having one or more male end connectors 42 formed on one of itsends, and one or more female end connectors 44 formed on its opposingend. Additionally or alternatively, one or male end connectors 42 andone or more female end connectors 44 may be provided on the same end offirst side ramp 40. Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as being formed ina general hourglass shape, end connectors 42, 44 may be formed of anyshape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, forexample, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-calledtongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors,T-shaped connectors, and the like.

According to at least one embodiment, cable protector 10 is removablyattached to first side ramp 40 by: 1) elevating cable protector 10; 2)positioning connectors 32 of cable protector 10 directly over apertures46 defined in first side ramp 40; 3) inserting connectors 32 intoapertures 46; and 4) lowering cable protector 10. Persons of skill theart will recognize that any number of alternative methods and/orsequences may be used to removably attach cable protector 10 to firstside ramp 40, particularly in light of the various possible shapes,structures, and configurations of connectors 32 and apertures 46.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2,second side ramp 50 may be removably attached to a side of cableprotector 10 that opposes the side attached to first side ramp 40.Similar to first side ramp 40, second side ramp 50 may comprise atapered structure having one or more male end connectors 52 and one ormore female end connectors 54 formed on its ends. Generally speaking,end connectors 52, 54 may be formed of any shape or connecting structureknown to those in the art; including, for example, hourglass-shapedconnectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-calleddogbone-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors,T-shaped connectors, and the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, second side ramp 50 may also comprise oneor more connectors 56 formed along a substantially vertical side wallthat opposes its tapered side. In many embodiments, connectors 56 aresubstantially vertically oriented. Although connectors 56 areillustrated in FIG. 1 as extending generally downwards towards theground, connectors 56 may also be configured to extend generally up andaway from the ground. As with connectors 32, connectors 56 may be formedof any number of shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, orbeing inserted into, an opposing structure; including, for example, asubstantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structurecapable of interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socketjoint, a cantilever configured to snap fit into a complimentary recess,or the like.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 56 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 34 formed in base member 12 ofcable protector 10. In many embodiments apertures 34 are defined withinbase member 12 so as to be substantially vertically oriented; that is,apertures 34 may be defined within base member 12 so as to extendgenerally perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover 18. Inthe exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, apertures 34 are definedin a general slot shape that embodies the inverse of the dimensions ofconnectors 56. Alternatively, as with apertures 46, apertures 34 may beformed of any number of other shapes capable of receiving the variouspossible configurations of connectors 56 (described in greater detailabove); including, for example, a circular socket (capable ofinterlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of connector 56), a cubicor rectangular aperture or recess (capable of receiving thesubstantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector 56), or thelike. Connectors 56 may also be configured to snap fit into apertures 34defined in cable protector 10 to removably attach second side ramp 50 tocable protector 10.

According to at least one embodiment, second side ramp 50 is removablyattached to cable protector 10 by: 1) elevating second side ramp 50; 2)positioning connectors 56 of second side ramp 50 directly over apertures34 defined in base member 12 of cable protector 10; 3) insertingconnectors 56 into apertures 34; and 4) lowering second side ramp 50.Persons of skill the art will recognize that any number of alternativemethods and/or sequences may be used to removably attach second sideramp 50 to cable protector 10, particularly in light of the variouspossible shapes, structures, and configurations of connectors 56 andapertures 34.

FIG. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view of the exemplary cableprotection system illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, further comprising aplurality of exemplary tapered transition structures. FIG. 5 is anassembled perspective view of the exemplary cable protection systemillustrated in FIG. 3. As illustrated in these figures, a plurality ofcable protectors 10 may be removably attached together in an end-to-endfashion to extend the exemplary cable protection system across roadwaysor walkways of varying widths and/or to accommodate cables of varyinglengths. In addition, one or more side ramps 60, 70 may be removablyattached to these additional cable protectors 10 in a manner similar toramps 40, 50. In at least one embodiment, side ramps 60, 70 areconfigured to have a slope that is significantly steeper than the slopeof first and second side ramps 40, 50. Similar to first and second sideramps 40, 50, side ramps 60, 70 may additionally comprise one or moremale end connectors 62, 72 and one or more female end connectors 64, 74for facilitating the end-to-end connection of one or more ramps and/orone or more cable protectors. As with the end connectors described inconnection with previous embodiments, male end connectors 62, 72 and/orfemale end connectors 64, 74 may be formed on each opposing end of ramps60, 70. In addition, although illustrated in FIG. 3 as being formed in ageneral hourglass shape, end connectors 62, 64, 72, and 74 may be formedof any shape or connecting structure known to those in the art;including, for example, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-calledtongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors,T-shaped connectors, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, this exemplary cable protection system mayfurther comprise a plurality of tapered transition structures 80, 85,90, and 95 removably attachable to the ends of ramps 40, 50. In at leastone embodiment, tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95comprise one or more male end connectors 87, 97 and/or one or morefemale end connectors 82, 92 to facilitate the removable attachment oftapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 to first and secondside ramps 40, 50. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, taperedtransition structure 80 may comprise one or more female end connectors82 configured to receive the complimentary-shaped male end connectors 42formed on an end of first side ramp 40, while tapered transitionstructure 90 may comprise one or more female end connectors 92configured to receive the complimentary-shaped male end connectors 52formed on an end of second side ramp 50. Similarly, tapered transitionstructure 85 may comprise one or more male end connectors 87 configuredto be insertable into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors 44defined in an end of first side ramp 40, while tapered transitionstructure 95 may comprise one or more male end connectors 97 configuredto be insertable into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors 54defined in an end of second side ramp 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, tapered transition structures 80, 85,90, and 95 may taper in both a first direction and a second direction.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A (which is an end view oftapered transition structure 85, taken along line 4A-4A in FIGS. 3), and4B (which is a side view of tapered transition structure 85, taken alongline 4B-4B in FIG. 3), exemplary tapered transition structure 85 maytaper in both a first direction 100 and a second direction 105. In atleast one embodiment, first direction 100 is substantially orthogonal tosecond direction 105. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS.3-5, tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 are configured tobe substantially triangular in shape.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, tapered transition structure 85may comprise a top surface 86, a bottom surface 88, and an overlappingside portion 89. In certain embodiments, bottom surface 88 is configuredto extend substantially parallel to, and rest evenly upon, a surface(such as the ground) below structure 85. Similarly, bottom surface 88may be configured to be substantially level with the bottom surfaces ofcable protector 10 and ramps 40, 50. Thus, when tapered transitionstructure 85 is removably attached to an end of first side ramp 40 (asillustrated in FIG. 5), the bottom surfaces of tapered structure 85 andfirst side ramp 40 may form a continuous, unitary bottom surface,enabling the combined assembly to evenly rest on the surface below.

In at least one embodiment, overlapping side portion 89 is configured tolaterally overlap at least a portion of side ramps 60 and/or 70. Forexample, overlapping side portion 89 may be configured to have a slopesubstantially equal to the slope of ramps 60, 70, such that, when theexemplary cable protection system is completely assembled (asillustrated in FIG. 5), overlapping side portion 89 overlaps and evenlyrests upon at least a portion of ramp 60, with bottom surface 88 oftapered transition structure 85 evenly resting upon the surface belowthe assembled cable protection system. In other words, overlapping sideportion 89 may be configured such that, when the exemplary cableprotection system is completely assembled, as illustrated in FIG. 5, allmajor gaps are eliminated between both: 1) overlapping side portion 89and side ramp 60; and 2) bottom surface 88 of structure 85 and thesurface (such as the ground) below the assembled cable protectionsystem.

In at least one embodiment, top surface 86 of tapered structure 85 isconfigured to be substantially planar (i.e., flat or even, though notlevel). In other words, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the entirety oftapered transition structure 85 may be configured to evenly taper inboth first direction 100 and second direction 105, resulting in topsurface 86 having a substantially flat or even surface to provide asmooth transition from cable protector 10 and/or first side ramp 40 tothe ground below.

As with tapered transition structure 85, structures 80, 90, and 95 maycomprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and an overlapping sideportion. Similar to top surface 86, the top surfaces of these structuresmay be configured to evenly taper in both a first direction and a seconddirection, resulting in a substantially planar surface. The bottomsurfaces of these structures, as with bottom surface 88, may beconfigured to extend substantially parallel to, and rest evenly upon, asurface (such as the ground) below the structures. In addition, theoverlapping side portions of these structures may be configured tolaterally overlap at least a portion of side ramps 60 and/or 70.

Generally speaking, exemplary tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90,and 95 effectively eliminate the need for conventional side ramps byproviding a gradual transition between drop-offs present along the edgesof conventional cable protection systems. Specifically, when theexemplary cable protection system is fully assembled (as illustrated inFIG. 5), tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 simultaneouslyprovide a smooth and gradual transition between: 1) the ends of ramps40, 50 and the surface below the cable protection system; 2) the sidesof cable protectors 10 and the surface below the cable protectionsystem; and 3) the ends of ramps 40, 50 and the top surfaces of ramps60, 70. Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like may thus approachand cross over the assembled cable protection system from a wide rangeof directions and angles without fear of falling off the edge of theramp or cable protector and without fear of running into verticallyextending protrusions, such as conventional side rails. Taperedtransition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 thus simply and safelyeliminate the need for conventional side rails.

Although the various elements of the exemplary cable protection systemsillustrated in FIGS. 1-5 have been described and illustrated with acertain degree of particularity, persons of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that each element in this exemplary system may be formedin any number of suitable shapes and sizes. In particular, althoughtapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 have been described andillustrated herein as being substantially triangular in shape, thesetransition structures may be formed in any number of other suitableshapes and sizes, such as a square, rectangle, semicircle, or the like.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in at least one embodimenttapered transition structures 180, 185, 190, and 195 may comprise atleast one rounded end. Tapered transition structures 180, 185, 190, and195 and ramps 140, 150, 160, and 170 may also be modified to have a moregradual or less gradual slope, as desired.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements described andillustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-6 may be integrally formed with,as opposed to being removably attached to, one another. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 7, tapered transition structures 280 and 285 may beintegrally formed with first side ramp 240, as opposed to beingremovably attachable thereto (as with tapered transition structures 80and 85 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5). Similarly, tapered transitionstructures 290 and 295 may be integrally formed with second side ramp250, as opposed to being removably attachable thereto (as with taperedtransition structures 90 and 95 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5). One or moreof ramps 240, 250, 260, and 270 may also be integrally formed with, asopposed to being removably attachable to, cable protectors 210.

In an additional embodiment, one or more tapered transition structuresmay be pivotally attached to a side ramp. For example, as illustrated inthe exploded top and bottom perspective views illustrated in FIGS. 8 and9, respectively, one or more tapered transition structures 390, 395 maybe pivotally attached to a side ramp 350. As with previous embodiments,side ramp 350 may be removably attachable to a cable protector or cableprotection system, such as cable protector 10 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Tapered transition structures 390 and 395 may be pivotally attached toside ramp 350 in any number of ways using any number of structures. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 9, tapered transition structures 390 and395 may be pivotally attached to side ramp 350 using one or more hingestructures 355A and 355B, which generally represent any type of hingestructure capable of pivotally attaching tapered transition structures390 and 395 to side ramp 350. Additionally or alternatively, taperedtransition structures 390 and 395 may be pivotally attached to side ramp350 using a flush hinge assembly, a barrel hinge assembly, a butt hingeassembly, a concealed hinge assembly, or any other structure or assemblycapable of pivotally attaching tapered transition structures 390 and 395to side ramp 350.

In at least one embodiment, a hinge structure 355A may be partiallydisposed within a complimentary-shaped recess 393 defined in taperedtransition structure 390. Similarly, an additional hinge structure 355Bmay be partially disposed within a complimentary-shaped recess 398defined in tapered transition structure 395. In certain embodiments,hinge structure 355A may be retained within recess 393 and coupled totapered transition structure 390 by inserting a first rod member 392through both a cylindrical passageway 391 defined in tapered transitionstructure 390 and a first cylindrical aperture 353 defined in hingestructure 355A. Similarly, hinge structure 355B may be retained withinrecess 398 and coupled to tapered transition structure 395 by insertinga first rod member 397 through both a cylindrical passageway 396 definedin tapered transition structure 395 and a first cylindrical aperture 353defined in hinge structure 355B.

Tapered transition structure 390 may then be pivotally attached to sideramp 350 by positioning hinge structure 355A within a recess 354Adefined in side ramp 350 and inserting a second rod member 352A throughboth a cylindrical passageway 357A defined in side ramp 350 and a secondcylindrical aperture 351A defined in hinge structure 355A. Similarly,tapered transition structure 395 may be pivotally attached to side ramp350 by positioning hinge structure 355B within a recess 354B defined inside ramp 350 and inserting a second rod member 352B through both acylindrical passageway 357B defined in side ramp 350 and a secondcylindrical aperture 351B defined in hinge structure 355B.

In at least one embodiment, the various elements of the hinge assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 8-10 may enable tapered transition structures 390and 395 to freely pivot relative to side ramp 350. For example, asillustrated in the cross-sectional side views of FIGS. 11B and 11C,tapered transition structures 390 and 395 may pivot from a first openposition (illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B) to a second closed position(illustrated in FIG. 11C). When in a closed position, the bottomsurfaces of tapered transition structures 390 and 395 may rest upon thebottom surfaces of side ramp 350.

As detailed above, one or more of the elements described and illustratedherein may be integrally formed with, as opposed to being removablyattached to, one another. For example, as illustrated in the perspectiveand top views illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively, an exemplaryramp structure 400 may comprise a first side ramp portion 440 and asecond side ramp portion 450 integrally formed with a center portion415, to form a bridge structure over a cable protector housing.Exemplary ramp structure 400 may also comprise a plurality of taperedtransition portions 480 and 485 integrally formed with first side rampportion 440 and a plurality of tapered transition portions 490 and 495integrally formed with second side ramp portion 450. Tapered transitionportions 480, 485, 490, and 495 may be formed in any shape or size. Forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13, tapered transition portions 480,485, 490, and 495 may be substantially triangular in shape.

As with the tapered transition structures illustrated in FIGS. 3-11,tapered transition portions 480, 485, 490, and 495 may taper in both afirst direction and a second direction. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 13, 14A (which is an end view of exemplary ramp structure 400,taken along line 14A-14A in FIGS. 13), and 14B (which is a side view ofexemplary ramp structure 400, taken along line 14B-14B in FIG. 13),exemplary tapered transition portion 480 may taper in both a firstdirection and a second direction 404. In at least one embodiment, firstdirection 402 is substantially orthogonal to second direction 404.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, tapered transition portion maycomprise a top surface 482, a bottom surface 484, and an overlappingside portion 483. In certain embodiments, bottom surface 484 isconfigured to extend substantially parallel to, and rest evenly upon, asurface (such as the ground) below ramp structure 400. Thus, the bottomsurfaces of tapered transition portion 480 and first side ramp portion440 may form a continuous, unitary bottom surface, enabling rampstructure 400 to evenly rest on the surface below.

In at least one embodiment, ramp structure 400 may be configured to bepositioned over at least a portion of an additional cable protector orcable protection system. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and15, a recess 417 configured to receive a portion of an additional cableprotector or cable protection system may be defined on the underside oframp structure 400. Accordingly, ramp structure 400 provides a bridgefrom one side of a cable protector to another, with a ramp on each sideending at approximately a support surface level. In at least oneembodiment, the overlapping side portions of tapered transition portions480, 485, 490, and 495 that define recess 417 may be configured tolaterally overlap at least a portion of an additional cable protector orcable protection system, such as cable protector 410 and/or ramps 460and 470. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, overlapping sideportion of tapered transition portion 480 may be configured to have aslope substantially equal to the slope of ramp 460 attached to exemplarycable protector 410, such that, when cable protector 410 and ramps 460,470 are positioned within recess 417 of ramp structure 400, overlappingside portion 483 overlaps and evenly rests upon at least a portion oframp 460, with bottom surface 484 of tapered transition portion 480evenly resting upon the support surface below cable protector 410 andramp structure 400. In other words, overlapping side portion 483 may beconfigured such that, when ramp structure 400 is positioned over cableprotector 410 and ramps 460 and 470, as illustrated in FIG. 15, allmajor gaps are eliminated between both: 1) overlapping side portion 483and ramp 460; and 2) bottom surface 484 of tapered transition portion480 and the support surface (e.g., the ground) below the assembled cableprotection system.

In at least one embodiment, top surface 482 of tapered transitionportion 480 is configured to be substantially planar (i.e., flat oreven, though not level). In other words, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and15, the entirety of tapered transition portion 480 may be configured toevenly taper in both first direction 402 and second direction 404,resulting in top surface 482 having a substantially flat or even surfaceto provide a smooth transition from ramp structure 400, cable protector410, and/or first side ramp portion 440 to the ground below.

As with tapered transition portion 480, portions 485, 490, and 495 maycomprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and an overlapping sideportion. Similar to top surface 482, the top surfaces of thesestructures may be configured to evenly taper in both a first directionand a second direction, resulting in a substantially planar surface. Thebottom surfaces of these structures, as with bottom surface 484, may beconfigured to extend substantially parallel to, and rest evenly upon, asurface (such as the ground) below the structures. In addition, theoverlapping side portions of these structures may be configured tolaterally overlap at least a portion of ramps 460 and/or 470.

FIG. 16 is a partially assembled perspective view of another exemplarycable protection system 500. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cableprotection system 500 fully assembled. Cable protection system 500includes a plurality of cable protectors 510, 511 arranged in anend-to-end fashion. An end of cable protector 510 faces and is adjacentto an end of cable protector 511 when the cable protectors 510, 511 arein the end-to-end arrangement to define a cable protector joint orinterface 535. The cable protectors 510, 511 may each include a basemember 512, a plurality of channels 516, and a cover member 518. Thecover member 518 may be pivotally attached to the base member 512 with aset of base hinge members 522, a set of cover hinge members 526, and arod member 530. The use of two or more cable protectors 510, 511 in anend-to-end arrangement may provide use of the cable protection system500 in extending the across roadways or walkways of varying widthsand/or to accommodate cables of varying lengths.

The cable protection system 500 may further include one or more sideramps 540, 550. The side ramps 540, 550 may be removably attached to thecable protectors 510, 511 in a manner similar to the connectionarrangement of ramps 40, 50, as is discussed in further detail below. Atleast one of the side ramps 540, 550 may be positioned adjacent to aside surface of each of the cable protectors 510, 511. In someembodiments, at least one of the side ramps 540, 550 overlaps or spansthe cable protector joint 535. Typically, at least one of the side ramps540, 550 is removably attached to both cable protectors 510, 511.Alternatively, each of the side ramps 540, 550 is removably attached toa single one of the cable protectors 510, 511. In some embodiments, aportion of at least one of the side ramps 540, 550 is arranged adjacentto a side of one of the cable protectors 510, 511 and another portion ofthe same side ramp extends beyond an end of the cable protector.

The side ramps 540, 550 may be used to attach together end-to-endarranged cable protectors 510, 511. In some arrangements, one of theside ramps 540, 550 is removably attached to one or both cableprotectors 510, 511, and the other side ramp is removably attached toone, both or none of the cable protectors 510, 511.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, base member 512 may also comprise one ormore connectors 532 configured to removably attach cable protectors 510,511 to a side of side ramps 540, 550. In many embodiments, connectors532 are substantially vertically oriented; that is, they extendgenerally perpendicular to a horizontal plane (i.e., a plane defined bya top surface of cover 518). Although connectors 532 are illustrated inFIGS. 16-17 as extending generally downwards towards the ground,connectors 532 may also be configured to extend generally up and awayfrom the ground. Generally speaking, connectors 532 may be formed of anynumber of shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or beinginserted into, an opposing structure; including, for example, asubstantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structurecapable of interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socketjoint, a cantilever configured to “snap fit” into a complimentaryrecess, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 532 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 546 formed in side ramps 540, 550.In many embodiments, apertures 546 are defined within first side ramp540 so as to be substantially vertically oriented. According to thisexemplary embodiment, apertures 546 are defined in a general slot shapethat embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors 532.Alternatively, apertures 546 may be formed of any number of other shapescapable of receiving the various possible configurations of connectors532 (described in greater detail above); including, for example, acircular socket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodimentof connector 532), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable ofreceiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector532), or the like. Connectors 532 may also be configured to snap fitinto apertures 546 defined in side ramps 540, 550 to removably attachside ramps 540, 550 to cable protectors 510, 511.

According to at least one embodiment, cable protectors 510, 511 areremovably attached to side ramps 540, 550 by: 1) elevating cableprotectors 510, 511; 2) positioning connectors 532 of cable protectors510, 511 directly over apertures 546 defined in side ramps 540, 550; 3)inserting connectors 532 into apertures 546; and 4) lowering cableprotectors 510, 511. Persons of skill the art will recognize that anynumber of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removablyattach cable protectors 510, 511 to side ramps 540, 550, particularly inlight of the various possible shapes, structures, and configurations ofconnectors 532 and apertures 546.

The second side ramp 550 may also comprise one or more connectors 556formed along a substantially vertical side wall that opposes its taperedside. In many embodiments, connectors 556 are substantially verticallyoriented. Although connectors 556 are illustrated in FIGS. 16-17 asextending generally downwards towards the ground, connectors 556 mayalso be configured to extend generally up and away from the ground. Aswith connectors 532, connectors 556 may be formed of any number ofshapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or being insertedinto, an opposing structure; including, for example, a substantiallyvertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structure capable ofinterconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, acantilever configured to snap fit into a complimentary recess, or thelike.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 556 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 534 formed in base member 512 ofcable protectors 510, 511. In many embodiments apertures 534 are definedwithin base member 512 so as to be substantially vertically oriented;that is, apertures 534 may be defined within base member 512 so as toextend generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane (i.e., a planedefined by a top surface of cover 518). In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 16-17, apertures 534 are defined in a general slotshape that embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors 556.Alternatively, as with apertures 546, apertures 534 may be formed of anynumber of other shapes capable of receiving the various possibleconfigurations of connectors 556 (described in greater detail above);including, for example, a circular socket (capable of interlocking withthe ball-shaped embodiment of connector 556), a cubic or rectangularaperture or recess (capable of receiving the substantially verticalprotrusion embodiment of connector 556), or the like. Connectors 556 mayalso be configured to snap fit into apertures 534 defined in cableprotectors 510, 511 to removably attach second side ramp 550 to cableprotector 510.

According to at least one embodiment, second side ramp 550 is removablyattached to cable protectors 510, 511 by: 1) elevating second side ramp550; 2) positioning connectors 556 of second side ramp 550 directly overapertures 534 defined in base member 512 of cable protectors 510, 511;3) inserting connectors 556 into apertures 534; and 4) lowering secondside ramp 550. Persons of skill the art will recognize that any numberof alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removably attachsecond side ramp 550 to cable protectors 510, 511, particularly in lightof the various possible shapes, structures, and configurations ofconnectors 556 and apertures 534.

The side ramps 540, 550 may each comprise one or more male endconnectors 542, 552 and one or more female end connectors 544, 554 forfacilitating the end-to-end connection of one or more ramps and/or oneor more cable protectors and/or one or more tapered transitionstructures. As with the end connectors described in connection withprevious embodiments, male end connectors 542, 552 and/or female endconnectors 544, 554 may be formed on each opposing end of ramps 540,550. In addition, although illustrated in FIGS. 16-17 as being formed ina general hourglass shape, end connectors 542, 552, 544, 554 may beformed of any shape or connecting structure known to those in the art;including, for example, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-calledtongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors,T-shaped connectors, and the like.

The cable protectors 510, 511 may be constructed similarly to the cableprotectors 12 described above with reference to at least FIGS. 1-3. Theside ramps 540, 550 may be constructed similarly to the cable protectors40, 50 described above with reference to at least FIGS. 1-4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, this exemplary cable protection system500 may further comprise a plurality of tapered transition structures580, 585, 590, 595. The tapered transition structures 580, 585, 590, 595may be removably attachable to the ends of ramps 540, 550. In at leastone embodiment, tapered transition structures 580, 585, 590, 595comprise one or more male end connectors 587, 589 and/or one or morefemale end connectors 582, 584 to facilitate the removable attachment oftapered transition structures 580, 585, 590, 595 to first and secondside ramps 540, 550. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, taperedtransition structure 580 may comprise one or more female end connectors582 configured to receive the complimentary-shaped male end connectors542 formed on an end of first side ramp 540, while tapered transitionstructure 590 may comprise one or more female end connectors 582configured to receive the complimentary-shaped male end connectors 552formed on an end of second side ramp 550. Similarly, tapered transitionstructure 585 may comprise one or more male end connectors 587configured to be insertable into the complimentary-shaped female endconnectors 544 defined in an end of first side ramp 540, while taperedtransition structure 595 may comprise one or more male end connectors587 configured to be insertable into the complimentary-shaped female endconnectors 554 defined in an end of second side ramp 550.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, tapered transition structures 580, 585,590, 595 may taper in both a first direction 600 and a second direction605. For example, exemplary tapered transition structure 590 may includea top surface 586 that includes a first portion 581 tapered in the firstdirection 600, and a second portion 583 tapered in the second direction605. In at least one embodiment, first direction 600 is substantiallyorthogonal to second direction 605. In the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 16-17, tapered transition structures 580, 585, 590,595 are configured to be substantially triangular in shape.

Tapered transition structures 580, 585, 590, 595 may comprise a topsurface 586 and a bottom surface 588. FIGS. 18-25 illustrate the taperedtransition structure 590 in perspective, top, bottom, side and endviews. The other tapered transitions structures 580, 585, 595 have thesame or similar features as the tapered transition structure 590. Thebottom surface 588 is configured to extend substantially parallel to,and rest evenly upon, a surface (such as the ground) that supports thestructures 580, 585, 590, 595. The bottom surface 588 may be configuredto be substantially level with the bottom surfaces of cable protectors510, 511 and ramps 540, 550. Thus, when tapered transition structure580, 585, 590, 595 is removably attached to an end of side ramps 540,550, the bottom surfaces 588 of tapered structures 580, 585, 590, 595and side ramp 540, 550 may form a continuous, unitary bottom surface,enabling the combined assembly to evenly rest on the surface below.

In at least one embodiment, a portion of the tapered transitionstructure 580, 585, 590, 595 is configured to laterally overlap at leasta portion of a side ramp, cable protector or tapered transitionstructure that is positioned adjacent to the tapered transitionstructure 580, 585, 590, 595. For example, a portion of the taperedtransition structures 580, 585, 590, 595 may be configured to overlap aportion of ramps 60, 70 described in other embodiments.

In at least one embodiment, a top surface of tapered transitionstructures 580, 585, 590, 595 is configured to be substantially planar(i.e., flat or even, though not necessarily level with a horizontalplane). In other words, the entirety of the top surface of the taperedtransition structure 580, 585, 590, 595 may be configured to evenlytaper in both first direction 600 and second direction 605, resulting ina top surface having a substantially flat or planar surface to provide asmooth transition from cable protector 510, 511 and/or side ramps 540,550 to the ground below.

The cable protectors 510, 511 when arranged end-to-end, as shown inFIGS. 16-19, may have a combined length L₁. The side ramps 540, 550,when assembled with a pair of the tapered transition structures 580,585, 590, 595 may have a combined length L₂. In some embodiments, thelength L₁ is the substantially the same as length L₂. In otherembodiments, the length L₁ is smaller or larger than length L₂.

A cable protection system having a side ramp that overlaps or spans acable protector joint between end-to-end arranged cable protectors caninclude any type of cable protector and side ramp. For example, at leastone of the cable protectors can be a dropover style cable protectorhaving a top surface that is integral with a base portion of the cableprotector. In another example, at least three cable protectors arearranged end-to-end and define two spaced apart cable protector joints,and a single side ramp overlaps or spans both of the cable protectorjoints. In a further example, a tapered transition structure (i.e., oneof structures 580, 585, 590, 595) can overlap or cover at least onecable protector joint between end-to-end arranged cable protectors. Thetapered transition structure may be configured to mount or connect toeach of the cable protector that are arranged end-to-end.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the exemplary cableprotection systems and ramp structures illustrated in FIGS. 1-25 may beadapted to house any number of cables and/or to extend over roadways andwalkways of varying lengths. For example, any number of cable protectorsin these exemplary systems may be removably attached together in aside-by-side fashion so as to house greater or lesser numbers of cables.Specifically, connectors formed on the side of a first cable protectormay be removably inserted into apertures defined in the side of a secondcable protector to removably attach the two cable protectors together ina side-by-side fashion. Additional cable protectors may be attached toeither side of this assembly to increase the cable-housing capacity ofthe system as needed.

Similarly, any number of cable protectors in this exemplary system maybe removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion to extend theexemplary cable protection system across roadways or walkways of varyingwidths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more cableprotectors 10 may be removably attached together in an end-to-endfashion by one or more ramps 60, 70. Additionally or alternatively,cable protectors 10 may be removably attached together in an end-to-endfashion using one or more end connectors provided on opposing ends ofthe cable protectors 10. As will be appreciated by those of skill in theart, mixing and matching the various “building blocks” of theseexemplary cable protection systems in this manner enables a user to forma system capable of housing any number of cables and/or extending overroadways and walkways of varying lengths. The flexibility of the systemas a whole is thus increased, resulting in greater ease of use andinterchangeability of parts.

Although the various cable protectors embodiments described andillustrated herein show a cover structure pivotally attached to a basemember, various alternative arrangements and configurations fall withinthe scope of the instant disclosure. For example, the cover structuremay be snap fit or otherwise removably attached to the base member.Alternatively, the cable protector may comprise a unitary basemember/cover structure having an open base defining a single channel forcovering one or more cables.

In addition, although the various cable protector embodimentsillustrated herein have been described as having one or more connectorsformed on a first side of the base member and one or more aperturesformed on an opposing side of the base member, various alternativearrangements and configurations fall within the scope of the instantdisclosure. For example, the base members may be formed with connectorson both sides, or may have apertures defined in each of its sides.Similarly, the base members may be formed such that a connector isformed on the same side as an aperture.

The elements of the exemplary cable protection systems and rampstructures illustrated in FIGS. 1-25, such as the cable protectors, sideramps, tapered transition structures, and integral ramp structuresillustrated in these figures, may be formed of any number or combinationof suitable materials. For example, the elements of these exemplarysystems and structures may be molded of a rigid, high-strength plasticmaterial capable of withstanding repeated loadings and stresses.Alternatively or additionally, these elements may be formed of variousmetallic elements, such as steel or iron. In addition, metal or plasticplating or gripping may be formed on the upper surfaces of one or moreof these elements, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to improve the traction ofpedestrians or vehicles traveling over the cable protection system.

In addition, the various elements of the exemplary cable protectionsystems and ramp structures described and illustrated herein may be ofany color or opacity. For example, in at least one embodiment thevarious elements in these systems and structures may be brightly orfluorescently colored to increase the conspicuousness of the system.Additionally or alternatively, the elements in these systems andstructures may be formed of a generally or substantially transparentmaterial and illuminated by white or colored light sources to increasethe visibility of the system. Generally speaking, coloring orilluminating the various elements of these systems and structures inthis manner helps decrease the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians orother motorists due to their failure to notice the cable protectionsystem and/or ramp structure extended over walkways or roadways.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of the instant disclosure. For example, one or moreelements of the exemplary cable protection systems and/or rampstructures described or illustrated herein may be modified as disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,099, filed 31 Oct. 2005, andentitled “Cable Protection System,” the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in allrespects illustrative and not restrictive and that reference be made tothe appended claims and their equivalents for determining the scope ofthe instant disclosure. In addition, for ease of use, the words“including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, areinterchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

1. A ramp structure capable of being positioned over at least a portionof a cable protection system, the ramp structure comprising: a firstcenter portion having a first side, a second side, a first end and asecond end; a second center portion having a first side, a second side,a first end and a second end, the first and second center portionsarranged in series; a first side ramp portion positioned adjacent to thefirst side of the first center portion and the first side of the secondcenter portion, the first side ramp portion comprising a first end and asecond end; a first tapered portion positioned adjacent to the first endof the first side ramp portion, the first tapered portion having a topsurface that includes a first portion that tapers in a first directionaway from the first and second center portions, and a second portionthat tapers in a second direction away from the first side ramp.
 2. Theramp structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of thetop surface are each triangular shaped.
 3. The ramp structure of claim1, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the seconddirection.
 4. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the top surface ofthe first tapered portion is substantially planar.
 5. The ramp structureof claim 1, wherein the first tapered portion is substantiallytriangular in shape.
 6. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the firstend of the second center portion is coupled to the second end of thefirst center portion at a center portion joint, the first side rampportion overlapping the center portion joint.
 7. The ramp structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a second tapered portion positioned adjacentto the second end of the first side ramp portion, the second taperedportion having a top surface that tapers in a least one of a firstdirection away from the first and second center portions and a seconddirection away from the first side ramp portion.
 8. The ramp structureof claim 7, wherein the first and second tapered portions are coupled tothe first side ramp portion, the first and second tapered portions andthe first side ramp portion defining a first ramp assembly, the firstramp assembly having a first ramp assembly length that is substantiallyequal to a combined length of the first and second center ramp portions.9. The ramp assembly of claim 8, wherein the ramp assembly includes aplurality of vertically oriented apertures and the first and secondcenter portions include a plurality of projections that extend from thefirst and second center portions in a generally vertical direction, theprojections being releaseably inserted in the apertures.
 10. The rampstructure of claim 7, further comprising: a second side ramp portionpositioned adjacent to the second side of the first center portion andthe second side of the second center portion, the second side rampportion comprising a first end and a second end; a third tapered portionpositioned adjacent to the first end of the second side ramp portion,the third tapered portion having a top surface that tapers in a leastone of a first direction away from the first and second center portionsand a second direction away from the second side ramp portion.
 11. Theramp assembly of claim 10, further comprising a fourth tapered portionpositioned adjacent to the second end of the second side ramp portion,the fourth tapered portion having a top surface that tapers in a leastone of a first direction away from the first and second center portionsand a second direction away from the second side ramp portion.
 12. Theramp assembly of claim 11, wherein the third and fourth tapered portionsare coupled to the second side ramp portion, the third and fourthtapered portions and the second side ramp portion defining a second rampassembly, the second ramp assembly having a second ramp assembly lengththat is substantially equal to a combined length of the first and secondcenter ramp portions.
 13. The ramp assembly of claim 12, wherein thesecond ramp assembly includes a plurality of projections that extendfrom the ramp assembly in a generally vertical direction, and the firstand second center portions include a plurality of vertically orientedapertures, the projections of the second ramp assembly being releaseablyinserted in the apertures of the first and second center portions.
 14. Acable protection system, comprising: a first cable protector comprisinga first side, a second side, opposing ends, and a top surface, the firstcable protector defining at least a first channel extending between theopposing ends of the first cable protector; a second cable protectorcomprising a first side, a second side, opposing ends, and a topsurface, the second cable protector arranged in series with the firstcable protector, the second cable protector defining at least a secondchannel extending between the opposing ends of the second cableprotector, the second channel being coaxial with the first channel; afirst side ramp positioned adjacent to the first side of the first cableprotector and the first side of the second cable protector, the firstside ramp comprising a top surface, a first side, a second side, a firstend, and a second end; a first tapered structure releaseably attached tothe first end of the first side ramp, the first tapered structurecomprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of thefirst tapered structure being tapered relative to at least one of thetop surface of the first side ramp and the top surface of at least oneof the first and second cable protectors; a second tapered structurereleaseably attached to the second end of the first side ramp, thesecond tapered structure comprising a top surface and a bottom surface,the top surface of the first tapered structure being tapered relative toat least one of the top surface of the first side ramp and the topsurface of at least one of the first and second cable protectors. 15.The cable protection system of claim 14, wherein the top surface of thefirst tapered structure tapers in a first direction and a seconddirection.
 16. The cable protection system of claim 15, wherein thefirst direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction. 17.The cable protection system of claim 14, wherein the first end of thesecond cable protector is positioned adjacent to the second end of thefirst cable protector at a cable protector joint, and the first sideramp overlaps the cable protector joint.
 18. The cable protection systemof claim 17, wherein the cable protector joint is arranged at a midpointalong a length of the first side ramp.
 19. The cable protection systemof claim 14, wherein the first and second cable protectors arereleaseably connected to the first side ramp, the first taperedstructure, and the second tapered structure.
 20. The cable protectionsystem of claim 14, further comprising: a second side ramp positionedadjacent to the second side of the first cable protector and the secondside of the second cable protector, the second side ramp comprising atop surface, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end;a third tapered structure attached to the first end of the second sideramp; a fourth tapered structure attached to the second end of thesecond side ramp.
 21. The side ramp assembly of claim 14, wherein acombined length of the first side ramp and the first and second taperedstructures is substantially the same as a combined length of the firstand second cable protectors.
 22. A cable protection system, comprising:a first cable protector comprising a first side and a second side, anddefining at least a first channel structured to receive at least onecable; a first side ramp positioned adjacent to the first side of thefirst cable protector and extending beyond the first end of the firstcable protector, the first side ramp being releaseably connected to thefirst cable protectors; a first tapered structure releaseably connectedto a first end of the first side ramp, the first tapered structurehaving a top surface that is tapered relative to a top surface of thefirst side ramp and a top surface of the first cable protector.
 23. Thecable protection system of claim 22, further comprising: a second cableprotector comprising a first side and a second side, and defining atleast a second channel arranged in alignment with the first channel;wherein the first side ramp is positioned adjacent to the first side ofthe second cable protector and is releaseably connected to the secondcable protector.
 24. The cable protection system of claim 23, furthercomprising: a second tapered structure releaseably connected to a secondend of the first side ramp, the second tapered structure having a topsurface that is tapered relative to the top surface of the first sideramp and the top surface of the second cable protector.
 25. The cableprotection system of claim 24, wherein the first cable protector isreleaseably connected to the first tapered structure, and the secondcable protector is releaseably connected to the second taperedstructure.